Devizes runner Andy Coombes thrilled to see Mo Farrah during London Marathon

Devizes accountant Andy Coombes had double Olympic medallist Mo Farrah in his sights as he ran the London Marathon yesterday.

The only problem was that Mr Coombes, 41, was going in one direction and Mo was about ten miles ahead going in the other.

He said: “He was coming back as I was still on the route out but the buzz went around the crowd and the cheers rippled across to our side. It was a fantastic day and I definitely want to do it again.

Mr Coombes, who was running to raise money for our Give Us A Chance appeal for Devizes Opportunity Centre, finished the course in 3hrs 27 mins and was delighted with the time.

Before the event he said he wanted to run in under four hours but admitted afterwards that always hoped to go close to three hours 30.

He said: “I am very pleased with my time. I hoped I could get under three and a half hours but I didn’t want to put too much pressure on myself. But everything went according to plan and the crowd really helps you when you start to feel a bit tired.

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